CHATHAM-KENT: April 28, 2017 – Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) will ‘shine green’ next week in support of mental health and reducing wait times for services as a participant in the Shine Green for Mental Health Week (May 1-7) campaign. For several years, iconic Ontario landmarks such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge have been lit green during Mental Health Week to raise awareness for this important initiative. CKHA’s Chatham Campus will join the list of landmarks, organizations and buildings across Ontario that will be illuminated green throughout the week.

Shine Green for Mental Health Week encourages organizations and landmarks across Ontario to ‘shine green’ during the week of May 1 to 7, 2017 to raise awareness for mental health and the importance of reducing wait times for services. As a participating organization, CKHA’s Chatham Campus will be illuminated green throughout the week.

“I am proud to recognize our Mental Health and Addictions inter-disciplinary team for the compassionate, high quality care they deliver to our patients and their families,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO. “CKHA’s green ‘shine’ will provide an important reminder to the community and initiate conversations among our family, friends and neighbours about the importance of access to these services.”

Launched by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario and Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), Shine Green for Mental Health Week is a simple way for organizations and individuals to remind the community that we must make mental health a priority and reduce wait times for services. Individuals can also participate in the week by taking pictures near landmarks illuminated green throughout the province or by wearing the colour green and sharing their photos on social media using the hashtags #GETLOUD and #kidscantwait.

CKHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) and partner organization Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent (CMHA LK), have championed reduced wait times for mental health services in the community through an integrated mental health and addictions service. This integration provides a seamless continuum of care that has improved access and wait times for individuals requiring mental health services from either organization. MHAP delivers best practice clinical mental health and addictions services built on a strong education and research based model.

“Reducing wait times for mental health services is key to improving early detection and intervention for individuals requiring mental healthcare in our community,” said Paula Reaume-Zimmer, Integrated Vice President, Mental Health and Addictions Services CKHA, CMHA Lambton-Kent and Bluewater Health. “The earlier we can initiate treatment, the more likely it is that we can reduce the need for ongoing mental health intervention. We are committed to working within a shared care model and improving our communities’ overall mental health.”

Chatham Campus

Sydenham Campus

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance receives funding from the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network.